football

Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald has come out against the union, and is urging his players to vote no April 25th.  He had been silent since the issue began, and I assumed this meant he tacitly supported the effort.  He does not. 

Perhaps this board is tired of the debate, and no more may be necessary here, but from a football standpoint this seems a serious distraction.  In the ESPN article there are quotes from QB Trevor Siemian and RB Venric Mark indicating they oppose the union, as well as senior center Brandon Vitabile.  Division between a head coach and some of his players, versus a former QB and other of his players, on any issue, seems only likely to disrupt a common goal.  Will be interesting to see how it plays out.  

http://espn.go.com/chicago/college-football/story/_/id/10734087/pat-fitz...

 

 

Per Ryan Bartow, 4-star QB Kevin Dillman is now a Husker. 

A 6'4" 220-lb Swede who played his last three years at La Mirada HS in CA, he will play his senior year at Denton (TX) Guyer HS. He is a one-time 5-star dual-threat QB whose stock dropped after his production didn't match his potential and after missing part of his junior year with an achilles injury. He reportedly had high interest in Michigan. 

He visited Nebraska this weekend after not taking any visits for about a year and committed while on campus.

Preface: this is the view of one football fan, without the level of intricate knowledge of a Space Coyote nor someone who has broken down game film play by play.  Also these are early views and player X who looks "ok" today may turn into star in 2015 - we never know.  So downvote accordingly. ;)

Thought it would be interesting to take a look back at UM's 2012 recruiting class now that we are 2 years into it.   To refresh this was the 7th ranked class in the country per Rivals; here is the list of players.  While early to judge some of these guys as many redshirted, some are already going to be juniors in 2014 and this class will go a long way in determining on field success in the 2014-2016 seasons.

I've broken down the class in position groups and am giving one person's view on "early returns" in light of expected production, "starzzz",  and what type of schools were in competition.  Hence a player who Alabama, Florida, USC, OSU were after has a higher bar than Illinois, Vanderbilt, Boston College.  Of course those who have played 2 years have more of a body of work than those who were redshirted.  Also players on both the DL and OL were generally given more leeway due to their typically slower development.

Early view is based on production if applicable (RS players have less to work with), behind the scenes buzz (i.e. Darboh looked to be a front line starter last year), and eye test.

Part 1 for offense is here, below is defense.

 

DEFENSIVE LINE - Players here outside of elite high end are graded on a more forgiving curve as OL / DL players generally will take longer to bulk up to necessary size/strength for these positions.

[1]  Ondre Pipkins

Background:  5 Star, received offers from Bama, Florida, USC, OSU, Michigan State, etc

Comment:  Along with OL Kalis, the two 5 stars in the class.  Pushed into playing rotation as a freshman due to need, started sophomore campaign as a key element of the line but faced significant injury in game 5, unfortunately too late to receive medical redshirt.  Impact when in somewhat in question.  Only tallied 7 tackles including 1/2 for loss - 0 sacks - inclusive of some not very good opponents a player of this level would seem to be able to excel versus.  If one views him as a run stopper rather than a Jerel Worthy type, reviews are mixed again as UM defense was gashed often down the gut with or without Pipkins in.

Early View:  With normal DL depth/ quality, Pipkins would probably have been redshirted as a freshman so already has 2 years down with only 2 to go.  In light of star status and offer sheet, a bit underwhelming especially in relation to splash plays seen from classmates - specifically Henry.  Looks like a decent starter but not trending to star player from early results.  2014 year could have limitations due to ACL injury.

[2]  Willie Henry

Background: 3 star after thought (pledged week of signing date I believe) coming out of OSU pipeline school Cleveland Glenville. Offers from regional non powers such as Cincinnati, Louisville, Pittsburgh and Syracuse.

Comment:  After redshirt year, came on in second half of 2013 season to be a significant contributor, essentially taking Pipkins spot and running with it.   While still needing to build strength to hold point of attack (and still giving up gashes in the run game) was main player in interior of DL who provided splash plays.  32 tackles, 3 for loss, and half a sack.

Early View:  Far exceeding potential of stars / offer sheet.  Poised to be major piece of the DL in next 3 years on current track.  Maybe the JMFR type of this class in terms of production vs offer sheet.

[3]  Chris Wormley

Background: 3/4 star from Ohio who had  mix of Big 10 offers - at the top end Michigan State and Ohio State; at lower end linois, Indiana,.

Comment:  Suffered ACL freshman year.  A rotational backup in 2014 but like Henry made obvious splash plays.  Along with 19 tackles, had 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.  Considering potential after affects / recovery of ACL might take large leap in 2014 as a playmaker.

Early View:  Slight upside to potential out of HS; with room for this to increase substantially over HS projection due to youth and anticipation that a player is not 100% recovered from an ACL until the 2nd year after surgery.  If early returns are an indication poised to be major piece of DL in next year.  Ironically that is his position listing on spring roster and at 292 lbs could be a hybrid btw DE and DT.

[4]  Tom Strobel

Background:  Like Wormley, 3/4 star from Ohio who had a higher end offer sheet consisting of multiple midwest upper end programs - OSU, Nebraska, Wisconsin,Iowa along with Stanford.

Comment:  Thus far a bit of a mystery.  Suffered an injury of some sort before Akron game but was not a significant backup before then, only played in 1 game all year.  Listed as DE on spring roster at 268 lbs so someone like Charlton seemed to jump ahead of him already.  Like Bars on the OL his name does not seem to come up much in discussions. 

Early View:  Too soon to tell but lack of participation last year raises some question marks.  If not a significant part of 2-3 deep this year, seems on track for backup role - esp if younger players begin to make impact.

[5]  Matt Godin

Background:  3 star local with offers from Michigan State, Missouri, Wisconsin and Vanderbilt.

Comment:  Backup in 2013 who saw a bit more action than Stroble, with appearances in 7 games.  Others can speak for eventual role - I don't see him discussed much but perhaps will take a Heitzman type role out on the end but is currently listed as a 283 lb DT so if that is the role competition from Poggi and Hurst looms one class behind.  [note: Poggi currently listed as 271 lb DE and Hurst 277 lb DT on spring roster]

Early View:  Too soon to tell as had limited backup role in 2013 but played more than Strobel;  facing some good competition in both his class and the one behind his.

 

LINEBACKERS -

[1]  James Ross III

Background:  4 star with Midwest focused higher end offer sheet including OSU, Notre Dame, MSU, Nebraska, and Penn State. USC also threw their hat in the ring.

Comment:  Despite being undersized, an immediate contributor as a freshman, with multiple splash plays that excited fan base.  Unfortunately came back in 2013 at nearly the same weight and is playing a rough position at a "large safety" size - inhibits ability to get off blocks and with weak DL play, the level of play was not as impressive as exciting freshman year.   He still quietly finished with the 2nd most tackles on the team and if not for injury before OSU would have been first overall. 

Early View:  On track with HS expectation; a very good player who can still be great in his remaining 2 years.  Perhaps body does not support it but a 230-235 lb frame would seem to help him but speed is his game.  Just needs DL to help keep him clean so he can fulfill potential.

[2]  Royce Jenkins-Stone

Background:  4 star Cass Tech star offered by Alabama, Florida, Oklahoma, MSU, Missouri. 

Comment:  Did not redshirt and was a special teams player mostly as a freshman, who most expected to contribute something in 2013.  Something turned into essentially nothing - 5 tackles in 13 games.  A head scratcher.

Early View:  Thus far probably the largest disappointment in this class on the defensive side of the ball in light of HS prospects.  Many considered Ross and RJS 1A and 1B and cornerstones for the 2014-2015 LBs - but right now it seems 1 for 2.   Already buried on the depth chart mid season, true freshman Gedeon passed him late in the year and made obvious impact.  Unless something changes as he enters junior here, the best hope appears to be a quality backup role.

[3]  Joe Bolden

Background:  4 star, top 150 type Ohio prospect with offers from Arizona, Iowa, Penn State, Stanford, West Virginia, etc.

Comment:  Thrust into a backup role in 2012, due to depth issues - perhaps not really ready.  Become a steady contributor in a backup role early in 2013, and started pushing Morgan late in the year, garnering 4 starts.   Credited with 54 tackles, including 4 for loss and 2 sacks.  Production surprised me a bit when I reviewed defensive stats because I don't "notice" him on the field that much - not sure if that is good or bad.

Early View:  Already entering his junior year, seems to be on track or slightly below HS track not so much for production reasons but lack of high impact plays.  Seemed to come on late in 2013 so could be one to watch in 2014 but stuck behind man child JMFR in the middle.

[4]  Kaleb Ringer

Background:  3 star prospect with mid level Midwest offers including Cincinnati, Illinois, Indiana, Louisville.  Outside of UM offer, Iowa was second best.

Comment:  He gone.

Early View:  N/A

[5]  Allen Gant

Background:  3 star safety prospect with offers from Stanford, Boston College, West Virginia

Comment:  Redshirted in 2012, special teams player in 2013.  No impact on defense as he was moved from safety to a linebacker role. 

Early View:  A bit below expectation but with caveat of position switch and a lot of LBs ahead of him including Beyer and Gordon in 2013.  Thus far no production on defensive side of the ball.  2014 should tell us if he will become a backup or become primarily a special teams type player.

 

SECONDARY -

[1]  Jarrod Wilson

Background:  4 star with solid national offer sheet including Stanford, Notre Dame, Penn State, UCLA, and Michigan State.

Comment:  No redshirt, had limited playing time as a freshman which earned massive EMO points going into 2013 from Brian.  Seemed to calm most of us with his play although he was pulled from starting lineup in back half of year for certain games.  Confusing as most of us thought he was playing pretty well.  50 tackles including 2 for loss; will be a huge part of the secondary in 2014 as he is the only safety with experience. Protect in bubble wrap.

Early View:  On track with HS expectation - seems to be growing into role and will be a 'cagey vet' in a very young secondary in 2014.

[2]  Terry Richardson

Background:  4 star Cass Tech CB with high end offers across the country including Bama, LSU, USC, Oklahoma, OSU, Notre Dame, PSU, UCLA. 

Comment:  Welp.  Based on offer sheet many said "he is our Antonie Winfield; that projection has now been moved to '15 class Shaun Crawford.  While undersized the expectation was after gaining some weight this level of player would be pushing for a starting role in a depth challenged secondary if not last year, than in 2014.  Instead players 1 class behind him in Stribing and Lewis took over key backup spots at the corners and Richardson was effectively redshirted as he did not see any game action.  With Peppers riding in on his stallion in 2014, best case for Richardson this year seems to be 6th corner.  Maybe.

Early View:  Well below expectation; I put him "ahead" of Royce Jenkins-Stone as 'less disappointing relative to HS pedigree' only because of size issues that would always hinder him unless we struck gold with a Winfield type development.  With only Taylor graduating after this year, faces a crowded group of competition - hope is he develops at this point into a dime type corner at some point.

[3]  Jeremy Clark

Background:  3 star prospect with mostly MAC offers outside Illinois and NC State.

Comment:  Redshirted in year 1, limited role in year 2 mostly on special teams.  Large opening for major playing time in 2014 in very young group of safeties but a mystery man for now.

Early View:  Not enough information for any assessment.  Lack of depth at his position has him poised for a significant role; if that is by default is left to be determined.

 

*************************

 

OVERALL TAKE:  With the caveat it is early this class looks like it is light in the secondary mostly due to Richardson, in line at the LBs (some hits and some misses) with potentially the best haul on the DL due to early splash play ability out of Henry and Wormley.   Eventual elite potential could still fall to 5 players - James Ross III, Jarrod Wilson, Ondre Pipkins, Willie Henry, and Chris Wormley.  Personal view is Henry has already impressed more than Pipkins despite stars/offer sheet - others may disagree with my view.

2014 should tell us a lot about junior / senior year prospects for Strobel, Godin, and Clark.  All should be significant backup players this year.  Bolden seems likely to take over starting MLB in 2015.  Any development out of Royce Jenkins-Stone would be helpful for this class.

Interesting ESPN article touching on the state of Michigan football and how Nussmeier hire was the right move. Definitely highlights our O-line, leadership, and inconsistency concerns for next year. All I'm saying is bring me that Michigan Football season, we'll be great.

 

LINK

Preface: this is the view of one football fan, without the level of intricate knowledge of a Space Coyote nor someone who has broken down game film play by play.  Also these are early views and player X who looks "ok" today may turn into star in 2015 - we never know.  So downvote accordingly. ;)

Thought it would be interesting to take a look back at UM's 2012 recruiting class now that we are 2 years into it.   To refresh this was the 7th ranked class in the country per Rivals; here is the list of players.  While early to judge some of these guys as many redshirted, some are already going to be juniors in 2014 and this class will go a long way in determining on field success in the 2014-2016 seasons.

I've broken down the class in position groups and am giving one person's view on "early returns" in light of expected production, "starzzz",  and what type of schools were in competition.  Hence a player who Alabama, Florida, USC, OSU were after has a higher bar than Illinois, Vanderbilt, Boston College.  Of course those who have played 2 years have more of a body of work than those who were redshirted.  Also players on both the DL and OL were generally given more leeway due to their typically slower development.

Early view is based on production if applicable (RS players have less to work with), behind the scenes buzz (i.e. Darboh looked to be a front line starter last year), and eye test.

Will break this down into 2 diaries - this one for offense; defense is here.

 

OFFENSIVE LINE - this is by far the hardest group to judge because it is the one position group where if there is a failure anywhere in the line, everyone can look bad.   Secondary to a degree is the same but nowhere does a misstep by your teammates stand out more than the OL unit.  Again caveat is we rushed these guys to play rather than waiting until RS sophomore year.

[1]  Kyle Kalis

Background:  5 Star all Everything, spurned OSU for UM.  Other offers incl Bama, Auburn, Florida, LSU, etc. 

Comment:  Most highly touted OL recruit in this 2 class OL haul; many had dreams of Hutchinson 2.0.  After redshirt year was expected to come in and be competent, and be the 3rd best player on a line book ended by 2 potential NFL tackles.   Instead major struggles, a benching, and never stood out. 

Early View:  Too early to tell but will judge him a bit more harsh than the other OL due to (a) hype / expectation / pedigree. and (b) MSU threw in a "no star" at left tackle named Jack Conklin from the same 2012 class who was named freshman All American at a more prominent position on the line.   That reflects poorly on Kalis and/or coaching at UM.  Still has 3 years ahead of him and can live up to potential.

[2]  Erik Magnuson

Background: High 4 star with offers from high end schools such as Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Stanford, USC.

Comment:  Natural tackle was pushed into guard role due to need despite being undersized. Of the Kalis, Bosch (true freshman), Magnuson trio - he seemed to do the best job of the three... of course that bar is very low.  Despite injury he has been slated to start at most important OL position this year, so coaching staff showing trust.  Coming in at or near 300 lbs this fall would be a plus.

Early View:  On track with potential out of HS.  In a normal environment a RS sophomore pushing for a starting gig would be tracking at Lewan level.  In this environment it is difficult to tell as lack of alternatives / upperclassmen smudges outlook.

[3]  Ben Braden

Background: 3 star local giant with offers from regional upper end schools ala Wiscy/MSU.

Comment:  Natural tackle but slated to play guard 12 months ago to fill need, but was not a good fit at this position so had nowhere to go as there were 2 established starters.  Magnuson seemed to be primary backup in coaches views if there had been an injury to starting tackles. Lauded for physical makeup.

Early View:  Too soon to tell.  No one has seen him yet in a real game; coaching staff has him as a starter at RT.  If he turns into a 3 year RT starter, he will have played above his potential / offer. 

[4]  Blake Bars

Background:  Interesting mixed views out of HS, some places 3 stars, some places 4 stars but offer sheet would lean towards 4 with LSU, Florida, PSU, South Carolina among suitors.

Comment:  Seems to be lost in the depth chart.  Rarely discussed as a player challenging for a starting spot.  Find that troubling in light of how desperate we were last year for any OL player, and this year... hear names like Dawson ahead of his.

Early View:  Too soon to tell but lack of discussion about him seems to bode poorly.  Seems to be tracking as career backup unless something changes.

 

 

OFFENSIVE SKILL PLAYERS - generally these guys can play early if they have high upside.

[1]  Devin Funchess

Background:  3/4 star with offers from upper end Midwest programs such as Nebraska, MSU, Missouri.

Comment:  One dimensional TE who suffered in blocking schemes, even through mid sophomore year.  Pushed out to WR latter half of last year, where physical prowess and dimension he excels at (receiving) could be utilized.  Had some Braylon Edwards moments both good and bad last year with highlight reel catches and dropsies.  Should have massive year, esp if can reduce drops.

Early View:  While not a great TE due to lack of blocking, has exceeded expectations in production as 2nd most dangerous non QB threat after Gallon last year and top target this year.  Some already worrying he might leave early for NFL - because we are UM fans and that's what we do.

[2]  Jehu Chesson

Background:  3 star with offers from Iowa, Northwestern, Missouri, etc

Comment:  Was deemed to be the 3rd/4th type WR behind Gallon, Darboh, Dileo out of camp last year.  Injury to Darboh pushed him higher up food chain.  Did not do much in receiving area esp in first half of year but picked up some late in year; ended with 15 catches for 221 yards.  Amazing ability to wipe out 3 defensive players at once with blocking skill in bowling ball fashion.  Special teams monster...already.

Early View:  On track with potential out of HS/offer sheet.  Will have lots of competition coming his way, but worst case looks to be one of the best blocking WRs in past 10 years.  Would like to his 'speedster' label applied with some gashes downfield - started to happen a bit late last year.

[3]  Amara Darboh

Background:  3/4 star with offers from Florida, Notre Dame, Wiscy, Iowa, etc.

Comment:  One of the most buzzed about players during spring last year until injury broke the hearts of fandom.  So for now a mystery.  A healthy Darboh with 30+ catches this year would have him tracking well.

Early View:  Until we see him on Saturdays impossible to speculate but last year's buzz seemed promising.

[4]  A.J. Williams

Background:  3 star tight end with mid range BCS offers such as Arkansas, MSU, West Virginia, NC State.

Comment:  Much like Funchess extremely one dimensional at this point but his dimension is blocking.  Caught 1 pass for 2 yards in 11 games.  Reviews are mixed on his blocking skills.  Jake Butt took playing time as year passed, Heitzman has been moved over this year - facing a lot of competition with Bunting on the horizon as well.

Early View:  A bit below projection due to one sided nature of skill set... which is more akin to a small tackle rather than a TE.  Ability to grab 1-2 passes a game would help but emergence of Butt looks to put him in backup role.

[5]  Sione Houma

Background:  2/3 star fullback with offers from Utah, Utah State, Washington

Comment:  I will leave comments for those more well versed in analyzing a fullback.  Devin/Denard type offenses don't allow for much FB type play; maybe this changes in the Morris/Speight era.  Right now mostly a special teams player.

Early View:  In line with projection out of HS.

[6]  Drake Johnson

Background: 3 star local whose only other offer was Eastern Michigan. 

Comment:  Won backup RB role ahead of highly rated freshman last year - some question if that was more a reflection of the freshman RBs or Hoke sending a message.  Was able to generate all of 2 carries before evilness hit him.

Early view:  Too soon to tell but any production would be a bonus versus offer sheet.  Depending on 2015 RB recruiting could be facing a logjam on depth chart.

[7] Dennis Norfleet

Comment:  Surprise 3/4 star committment on signing day; taken from Cincinnati

Background:  Gets most of playing time as a kick returner.  His forays into punt returns have been... challenging.  Often said to be "so close to breaking one" on kick returns.   Limited role on offense thus far - a bit of a scat back type, with 4 rushes and 6 receptions.  Coaches looking to convert him into a slot WR role this year.

Early view:  In line with college offers but more production on offense would help reach full potential, esp for the services that gave him 4 stars.  Or becoming a poor man's Breaston on kick returns.

*************************

 

OVERALL TAKE:  Again it is early ....especially for those who redshirted.   3 of the 4 lineman are in line for projected starting roles on 2014 squad - if they all catch on and become 3 year starters this will be a fantastic haul for the OL even if Bars never plays a minute.  If even 2 become 3 year starters it will be a very good thing.   Need at least 1 to be "elite" to help take this team up the food chain.  Next 12 months should tell us a lot on what to expect in 2015 and 2016 from this group.

Funchess has been the biggest win thus far in the skill players versus expectation.  Darboh and Chesson still have potential to be major contributors and seem on track versus expectation as best as we can tell.  Other skill players at this moment seem more like niche / backup players but that fits in relatively in line with expectations for them out of HS.

 

@umichfootball keeps tweeting photos of the new Schembechler Hall Towsley Museum. The unveiling of the statue is later tonight.

EDIT: Bo statue unveiled. Outside the building.

Holy cow.....